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Crew injecting poly into a sidewalk.

Concrete Lifting

If you have sinking concrete around your home, Innovative Basement Authority can lift and restore your concrete to help eliminate trip hazards and pooling water problems.

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Do you worry about walking on your exterior concrete steps, sidewalk, driveway, or patio? Are these areas uneven and full of cracking sunken concrete slabs? These issues are all too common around properties throughout Minnesota, the Dakotas,Burnsville, Rogers, Eastern Montana, and Western Wisconsin. While seeing them is no surprise, sinking and uneven concrete results in unsightly gaps and tripping hazards. But we at Innovative Basement Authority can help you rid your property of these dangers with a state-of-the-art repair method. Read on to learn more about how our team can help, and don’t hesitate to contact us for a free inspection and repair estimate.


Causes of Concrete Damage

It’s normal for soil to be wet or dry depending on the season and weather patterns. But this can lead to problems for concrete structures atop the soil. Saturated soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This ongoing, ever-changing process leads to significant pressure exerted on any above concrete. The concrete can succumb to this pressure and crack, sink, become uneven, and sustain other damage including breaking off entirely.

During the construction of your home, soil that is removed is often used again and backfilled around your home. This also can happen prior to the construction of concrete structures on your property like the driveway, patio, and sidewalk. If the builders did not properly compact or tamp down the soil, various problems can ensue over time as the soil shifts. The region’s silty and clay soils are notorious for significantly expanding when wet and shrinking when dry, so it’s not uncommon to deal with concrete problems like settlement and sinking because of the soil’s drainage issues.

Midwest locations including Minnesota, the Dakotas, Eastern Montana, and Western Wisconsin experience often harsh winters with snow and freezing temperatures. As the days go from warm to cold and warm again, this cycle of freezing and thawing can take its toll on concrete structures. Exterior features like your driveway, sidewalk, and patio are most at-risk because of their constant exposure to the elements. Water from snow, snowmelt, and rain can saturate and freeze in the underlying soil or the concrete itself. This can lead to damage including cracking and breaking off, sinking, and heaving.

Award-Winning Service

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
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Great work from the this group. We had our annual inspection to the work they did and Michael Bowers was incredibly professional,…

Great work from the this group. We had our annual inspection to the work they did and Michael Bowers was incredibly professional, personable and efficient. I felt completely comfortable with him in my home and appreciated the communication before during and after the inspection was completed.

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Great Company and awesome guys working on my house. Josh A, Robert P and Justin S did a great job stabilizing my home foundation. They…

Great Company and awesome guys working on my house. Josh A, Robert P and Justin S did a great job stabilizing my home foundation. They were very knowledgeable, kind and some of the hardest working men I have seen in a long while. Keep up the great work. They gave me peace of mind that all was going to be great once they were finished.

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Every year inspection is worth the money, with the technicians checking everything and letting you know how things are. Michael Bowers was…

Every year inspection is worth the money, with the technicians checking everything and letting you know how things are. Michael Bowers was very knowledgeable and thoroughly explained everything.

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Ernesto P and his team, Mateo and Moises provided me with excellent service. Ernesto communicated the process and set realistic…

Ernesto P and his team, Mateo and Moises provided me with excellent service. Ernesto communicated the process and set realistic expectations. From start to finish the project was organized and executed in an orderly manner!

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Chad, Brian, and David were very professional and didn't waste any time. Everything was explained clearly and the job site was as clean…

Chad, Brian, and David were very professional and didn't waste any time. Everything was explained clearly and the job site was as clean when they left as when they came.

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Dave did a great job!

Dave did a great job!

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Brady is wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable and personable! Great guy!

Brady is wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable and personable! Great guy!

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Good work, clean up and communication! Work was explained in advance. Friendly, efficient staff. Definitely made a difficult time easier!

Good work, clean up and communication! Work was explained in advance. Friendly, efficient staff. Definitely made a difficult time easier!

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Brandon Zach Tommy and Art did a great job and worked very hard.

Brandon Zach Tommy and Art did a great job and worked very hard.

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Grant C.and Mark F. did a great job of filling under and stabilizing our garage floor. Very professional. Explained the process and were…

Grant C.and Mark F. did a great job of filling under and stabilizing our garage floor. Very professional. Explained the process and were done quickly.

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Nathan Brand was our basement inspector, and we were extremely satisfied with his level of expertise, his thorough inspection and analysis…

Nathan Brand was our basement inspector, and we were extremely satisfied with his level of expertise, his thorough inspection and analysis of our basement, and the amount of time that he spent with us educating us on the process. He told us straight up that he wasn’t going to leave for the day until we had all of our questions answered and we were completely satisfied that we had the information we needed in order to make a decision. Nathan was very relatable and personable, and it was obvious that he truly cares about helping people through this process.

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David drove out of his way to look at our basement issues. He sat down with us and really listened to our issues. Then he did a thorough…

David drove out of his way to look at our basement issues. He sat down with us and really listened to our issues. Then he did a thorough inspection with pictures. He then sat down again with us and went over a plan that fits our budget and goals. Highly suggest working with Groundworks for your basement needs.

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Nathan B our field inspector went above and beyond to explain things in depth, find solutions that fit our needs and wants and took the…

Nathan B our field inspector went above and beyond to explain things in depth, find solutions that fit our needs and wants and took the time to really hear our concerns. He was absolutley fabulous and would recommend him!

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Met Nathan the Sale Representative for Innovated Basement Authority and he was very knowledgeable in answering all of my questions and…

Met Nathan the Sale Representative for Innovated Basement Authority and he was very knowledgeable in answering all of my questions and looking forward to doing future business. Thanks much for your undivided attention!

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Our house was built in 1931 and I was fairly certain it was sinking. I called Brice at Innovative Basement and told him my entire long…

Our house was built in 1931 and I was fairly certain it was sinking. I called Brice at Innovative Basement and told him my entire long theory on what I thought was happening.He was incredibly patient and said that could be happening but quite unlikely, please let me take a look.He drove up to Duluth from Rush City and put my mind at ease when he said, this is super simple, you only need two supports installed.My vision of having to have the house lifted to the tune of 6 figures was put to rest. I had another company take a look and they agreed to assessment but wanted $2000 more for the work. I went with Brice and Innovative.Their crew of Steven W, Codi S and Zane came rolling in and I can say I don't think there is a crew that enjoys their job more, has more fun doing it and is incredibly professional, capable, respectful and put my mind to ease. They know what to do, how to do it and do it right. We had immediate results and I'm so grateful for the referral. I highly recommend them! Five stars for all of them all the way!

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Nathan was the salesperson who explained the project and what it would do and gave a Accurate estimate. Josh W. And Ken where the…

Nathan was the salesperson who explained the project and what it would do and gave a Accurate estimate. Josh W. And Ken where the installing team. All work was completed in a timely manner very personal & respectful of our home and to us. We were very satisfied with the work that was done.

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Ghavon and his crew Anthony and Kevin were a friendly, punctual and knowledgeable about the work they did on our drain tile work. They…

Ghavon and his crew Anthony and Kevin were a friendly, punctual and knowledgeable about the work they did on our drain tile work. They answered any questions we had and did their work in a timely manner. It was a very positive experience for our family's major part of our remodel. Thanks to the crew! We would highly recommend the company and this crew. Sincerely, Troy W. and KarrieAnn Jamestown, ND

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Anthony B. was incredible! He was instrumental in getting my basement repaired and safe for my family. He came to my home and spent a much…

Anthony B. was incredible! He was instrumental in getting my basement repaired and safe for my family. He came to my home and spent a much time as I needed explaining the entire process, options, financing and follow-up maintenance. Then a team (Josh A., Jason C., and Blake C.) showed up to compete the work. They were respectful of my home and my time. They completed the work (installation of Intellibraces along two basement walls) in less than two days. My basement was left in great shape. They have me peace of mind that my home is now more stable and my family is more safe. I look forward to them returning to tighten the braces to further secure my walls. I would recommend this company and this team in particular and would be happy to hire them for future projects.

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Had them come over to give me an estimate and they are extremely thorough. At least how they are explaining step-by-step what they’re doing …

Had them come over to give me an estimate and they are extremely thorough. At least how they are explaining step-by-step what they’re doing they know what they’re doing. Very impressed.

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Jeremiah T, Dion R and Mark F did a great job installing the foundation piers. They kept going til the job was done and cleaned up the…

Jeremiah T, Dion R and Mark F did a great job installing the foundation piers. They kept going til the job was done and cleaned up the area before they left. Thanks for your help

Is Concrete Lifting the Right Solution for Me?

Concrete is all around your home, including your sidewalk, driveway, patio, garage floor, exterior steps, and interior slab floors. Any cracking and uneven slabs will not mend themselves. They not only make your home look unkempt, but they also are dangerous to anyone walking or driving over them. This is especially true for those with mobility issues. You have a lot to think about as a homeowner, and your safety and that of your family and guests should be a top priority. Keeping all this in mind, it is important to have a reliable repair solution installed to protect your family and home.

Before any repairs, it is also important to understand why concrete experiences problems like cracking and sinking. These and other damages can happen for many reasons, but the root cause typically is the soil underneath the concrete slabs. There are thousands of types of soil throughout the world, and our area has a good mix of clay loam in Bismarck, silty clay loam in Sioux Falls, fine sandy loam in Duluth, silty loam in Rochester, and sand in Eau Claire. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and drainage properties, but all can fall victim to the region’s often wet weather and erode, settle, and heave. When the concrete slabs are no longer supported by underlying soil, they will succumb to settling, cracking, and other damage.

Tackling these problems at the source is the key to long-lasting, effective repair. Outdated methods like mudjacking and repouring do not address problems with the soil. But concrete lifting with PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections does. This lightweight but durable material is injected underneath the concrete slabs to fill the void between the soil and the slabs. Once the foam hardens, it simultaneously lifts and stabilizes the concrete and strengthens the soil below, as well. This is generally a fast process, as the foam cures 15 minutes after it is installed. It also is waterproof and will not wash out from under the concrete.

FAQs

Call or click for an appointment. One of our Certified Field Inspectors will come to your home and inspect your concrete. He or she will then sit down with you and explain what caused your issues, how they can be fixed and exactly what it will cost.

No. PolyRenewal is a proprietary product.

Yes. PolyRenewal is made from an environmentally friendly material that is waterproof and won’t degrade over time. This means it won’t leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil.

PolyRenewal cures very quickly. In fact, you can drive your car over a driveway slab just 15 minutes after it’s been lifted with PolyRenewal.

PolyRenewal is cost-effective because it offers a solution that is long-lasting, unlike mudjacking and slab replacement. And your concrete will never cost less to repair than it does right now.

We do not recommend that you try to lift or level sunken concrete slabs alone. Instead, call a professional to get the best results. 

Concrete Lifting Requires Specialist Tools 

Concrete lifting may seem very simple, and while it can be in some cases, it is very often a complex process that unearths unexpected issues at every turn. For this reason, concrete lifting services often need to use specialist tools and equipment to get the best result for their clients. Lifting a single slab into place may be possible with mudjacking, for example, but if the underlying cause is a foundational problem, the issue will become more complex. 

Without addressing the underlying causes of sinking and cracking, any solution will be short-lived at best. The underlying issue will only continue to exert pressure on the newly repaired slab and lead to a recurrence of the sinking. Worse still, it could start to damage more of your property and cause wide-spread issues. Thankfully, you can rely on professionals to diagnose and treat underlying issues. 

Professionals Offer Better Results 

Foundation repair and concrete lifting specialists have all the tools they need to deal with most situations to hand. This means that you can expect a high-quality result from them no matter how complex the issue. 

Likewise, professionals have access to the best products via supply stores or direct from their manufacturers. This means that they can provide you with the most up-to-date solutions for your issue. This not only gives a fantastic result, but will essentially future-proof your home to a certain extent, offering durability as well as quality!  

Why is Concrete Lifting Needed?

Problems with the concrete around your home like cracks and uneven slabs can be harmful in many ways, including the following:

Sinking and uneven concrete

Personal Safety

Uneven concrete can be difficult for anyone to navigate, from young children and the elderly to anyone with mobility issues. Not only can these vulnerable groups easily trip and fall, but anyone could catch their feet on raised edges of concrete slabs and take a spill. Sunken concrete is a problem anywhere, but it is particularly dangerous around a swimming pool.

Cracked and sinking uneven driveway.

Vehicle Damage

Cracking and uneven concrete driveways and garage floors can not only succumb to the weight of vehicles, but they also can lead to vehicle damage. When vehicles have to continuously negotiate bumps and uneven concrete surfaces, the tires and suspension can suffer and require (frequent and often expensive) repairs.

Uneven walkway of a home.

Home Value and Appearance

Along with affecting the safety of your home, cracked and sunken concrete makes your property look bad. Whether you are house proud or not as concerned with the look of your concrete, the fact is that aesthetics matter. This is especially true when it comes to selling your home. It could be more difficult to sell, as buyers could be quickly turned off by unkempt appearances. This also can drag down the value of your home.

Common Concrete Tips & Mistakes

As experienced concrete lifting specialists in the industry, we have heard and seen it all when it comes to concrete problems and repairs. Here are some tips, as well as common mistakes, to consider in your concrete repair journey.

Helpful Concrete Repair Tips:

  • Monitor Foundation Problems: While they are not always related, problems with exterior concrete also could mean problems with your home’s foundation. Issues with both of these areas tend to be rooted in the soil underneath. As an example, if your driveway butts up against your foundation and there are sunken slabs, your foundation walls also could be cracking and bowing inwards. Keeping an eye on all problems around your home is important in catching and repairing them early.
  • Check for Problems with Drainage: Similarly, drainage issues also could be the cause of or caused by concrete problems. For example, if downspouts drain water directly onto concrete, it could cause the soil under and around the slabs to erode and the slabs to sink. And if uneven slabs are near water management systems like downspouts, water can puddle in the sunken areas.
  • Be Aware of Other Concrete Problems Around Your Home: Since the root of concrete issues like cracking and sinking is the soil, various areas with concrete around your home can be impacted. It’s possible to have uneven concrete along your front sidewalk as well as your back patio. Concrete also can sustain other damage in the form of pitting, flaking, and staining. Monitoring all areas of concrete for various problems is a good proactive practice.

Concrete Repair Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Concealing Cracks: It may be tempting to apply caulk or another sealant to concrete cracks in order cover them up so they won’t look so bad. But this is not going to solve the problem of how the cracks got there in the first place. The cracking will only continue, and whatever is used to try to fill the cracks could end up popping out of place and making the concrete look worse.
  • Installing Other DIY Solutions: In the same vein, other DIY attempts also are discouraged. You may have the best intentions, but concrete lifting and other repairs can be tricky and specialized. It’s important to contact a concrete lifting expert like Innovative Basement Authority so the issues can be properly diagnosed and repaired with tailor-made solutions.
  • Investing in Mudjacking: While mudjacking has been a time-honored tradition when it comes to concrete lifting and repair, it is an outdated method that is expensive, time-consuming, messy, and ultimately not effective. Large holes have to be drilled into the concrete to pump a heavy slurry mix under the concrete, and it takes a long time for the substance to cure. The slab and soil underneath also will end up settling again over time.

Providing Expert Concrete Lifting in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, and Eastern Montana

Pennsylvania trusts Innovative Basement Authority for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

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Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Innovative Basement Authority does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.    

Innovative Basement Authority Service Map

Our Locations

Fargo, ND

1330 41st St. N
Fargo, ND 58102

Minneapolis, MN

6265 Carmen Ave.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Rush City, MN

1325 S Frandsen Ave
Rush City, MN 55069